Cordlife, AMILI launch first gut microbiome banking service in SEA

The microbiome has important roles in metabolism and brain health

The first gut microbiome banking service for future faecal microbiota transplants (FMT) in Southeast Asia will soon be launched for alternative medical therapy that can address diseases such as colorectal cancer.

SGX-listed healthcare firm, Cordlife Group, and AMILI announced their partnership to provide the banking service in Singapore and the region. 

The partnership will leverage both the gut microbiome processing and analysis by AMILI as well as the cryopreservation by Cordlife, which will allow people to store their gut microbiome for FMT. 

According to the companies, the FMT “is a promising approach for a myriad of diseases such as colorectal cancer, autism spectrum disorder, and even obesity.”

FMT or gut microbiome transplantation is described as the “transfer of healthy microbiomes from a healthy person into the gastrointestinal tract of a sick person to restore microbial balance.” This is also a treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, with cure rates of up to 90%.

The firms also pointed out that the microbiome is needed for human health and has important roles for immune function, metabolism, and brain.

“The microbiome deteriorates over time and can be severely affected by gut infections and prolonged use of antibiotics,” read the statement.

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